Wildlife Rehabilitation, What Is It?

Wildlife Rehabilitation, What Is It?
by Kelly Bass

Wildlife rehabilitation is the caring of injured, diseased or orphaned wildlife and the subsequent return of healthy animals to their natural environment. As animals come into Wildcare's rehabilitation facility each animal is examined for injuries and is quickly treated, whether it includes veterinary care, medications, feeding, exercise for release or simply a quiet place to recover. We as rehabilitators ease their suffering by caring for them until they can be released back into their natural environment.

Only licensed rehabilitators are allowed to lawfully help wildlife. They must have permits from both state and federal wildlife agencies. Wildlife rehabilitation directly and indirectly aids animals by treating those brought to their facilities and through educational programs, which help to change people's attitudes toward wildlife and to encourage responsible treatment of wildlife.

Some might question the validity of wildlife rehabilitation, saying it is un-natural. But consider this, most wildlife injuries at Wildcare are a direct result of un-natural conditions such as poisons, electric wires, automobiles, firearms, kids with pellet guns, traps, mowers, etc.

One example of this is a bald eagle that came to winter along a river in south central Oklahoma. This eagle was shot in the left wing and probably will not fly again. If this eagle would have been left alone she would have flown back north to live her natural life. Sometimes animals (in particular geese) come to Wildcare with very disturbing wounds such as arrows still lodged in necks or, even recently, an eye. Many pigeons come in poisoned; turtles are injured by automobiles and songbirds are dazed after flying into windows. The majority of owls that come into Wildcare have broken wings as a result of flying into automobiles or fences.

There are many, many stories like these. We as wildlife rehabilitators are on the front lines between suburban development and natural habitat. Where are these animals to go when their natural livelihoods are taken from them by humans?

If you are interested in helping our cause, volunteer information can be found in the volunteer section of this site or give us a call @ 405.872.9338.